Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath reckoned that Joe Root will be the key player for England when England tours Down Under. According to the 55-year-old legend, Joe Root needs to do really well and put his best foot forward should England have a chance in this series. Notably, Root is yet to get a hundred in Australia.
Glenn McGrath’s views on impact of Joe Root
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, McGrath said: “This series will be a big one for Root. He’s never really done that well in Australia; he’s not even got a 100 over there, so he’ll be keen to get out there. He’s in fine form.”
For the record, Root has managed to score 892 runs in 14 Tests Down Under at an average of 35.68 comprising on nine half-centuries and no hundreds. He recently scored 537 runs in five Tests against India, smashing three centuries. During the series, he became the second highest run-getter with 13,543 runs in the longest format and is only behind Sachin Tendulkar who finished with 15,921.
Glenn McGrath opines on the impact of new sensation Harry Brook
Glenn McGrath warned Australia of England’s new batting sensation Harry Brook. He said: “Brook’s the one that I’ve enjoyed watching. He just goes out there, plays his game, and takes it on. The Australians need to get on him pretty early.”
Brook recently smashed 481 runs in five Tests against India, averaging 53.44 including two centuries and as many fifties. Overall, he has scored 2,820 runs in just 30 Tests, hitting 10 centuries and 13 fifties.
Glenn McGrath gives his opinion on how the series will shape up
The former pacer Glenn McGrath also stressed that Ashes 2025/26 will be a battle between England’s batters versus Australian bowlers. He said: “Ben Duckett is such an aggressive opener. Zak Crawley would be keen to score a few more runs than he has previously. It’s the top order or top and middle order of England against the Australian fast bowlers and Lyon. That’s going to be a match-up.”
McGrath further urged England to play the Bazball brand of cricket but with brains saying: “I love seeing sports people go out there and play without fear. That’s what Baz is looking to bring into this England team- play without fear. I’d like to see a bit more accountability and the mental side of the game, just them switched on a bit more. It’s exciting.”
It will be interesting to see how the series shapes up later in the year. Australia will come hard at England. Joe Root will be the key as he will be expected to score the bulk of the runs and get the monkey of his back by scoring a hundred. If Root has a great series, England will compete otherwise it will be difficult for the tourists Down Under.
Harry Brook will be key as the white-ball captain will look to continue the rich vein of form against India to this series as well. He will definitely be the key batting at Number 5. The openers have to lay the foundation as well not to mention. England has to perform as a collective unit if they want to go and challenge Australia and beat them at their den. The bowlers must stay fit and not get injured on the long tour. Ben Stokes their captain will no doubt be key and hope that he recovers from the shoulder injury that he suffered.
All in all, it is shaping up to be an exciting series and as the days come nearer the excitement will increase even more. It’s tough to call who will be the favourites at this stage, but Australia playing at home will definitely start as the favourites. England have to play really well if they are to upstage the Aussies from here.